MasterCard is payment system owned by 25,000+ financial institutions that issue its branded cards in 210 countries worldwide. The company’s payment products and solutions offer comprehensive card programs with cutting-edge security and convenience. There is a wide variety of customized card types that include credit, debit, prepaid, commercial, chip and contactless.

Since their establishment in the 1960s, open payment systems (aka "four-party" payment systems) have delivered huge value to all constituents in the payments chain. These systems allow any bank, all over the world, to link its customers with those of any other bank to transact business through payments cards, almost instantaneously.

MasterCard guarantees its customers Instant ability to access their funds and pay for goods and services all over the world. This payment method is more secure than cash and checks; it limits liability for lost or stolen cards. The customers can make secure online purchases, wherever and whenever they choose. The cardholders can track and manage spending their funds. They can also get various rewards for using MasterCard.

Advantages

Instant transactions;No need to carry cash; The ability to track the transaction history; Convenient; More secure than cash or checks; cash-back incentives, or other benefits or extras.

Disadvantages

Potential higher cost of interest and finance charges, other fees if you pay back over time (credit cards). It is easy to spend beyond your means that can result in financial difficulties. If you don’t pay bill on time it can negatively affect your credit history.